Grains, Oilseeds, Pulses & Forage Seeds F.A.Q.s

Mon, 2010/03/15 - 2:20am — admin
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What crops are included in grains, oilseeds, pulses, and forage seeds?

Within B.C. the main grain, oilseed, pulse and forage seed crops are:

  • Grains - wheat, barley, oats, fall rye
  • Oilseeds - canola and flax
  • Pulses - Field peas
  • Forage seed - Fine-leaf fescues, bromegrasses, wheatgrasses, timothy, alfalfa and clovers.

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Where are these crops grown in B.C.?

Approximately 70 to 95 per cent of these crops are produced in B.C.'s Peace River region. Other production pockets are located in the McBride, Vanderhoof, Armstrong and Creston areas. Small amounts of these crops are also grown all throughout B.C.'s agricultural areas.

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Where can I get information on the pesticides that are registered for use on grains, oilseeds, pulses, and forage seeds?

The registered use of any pesticide is described on its LABEL. One of the best sources for this is http://pr-rp.pmra-arla.gc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=34,17551&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL  (click on "Search ELSE") which is a searchable database where you can enter key words (crop, pest and/or pesticide) and the database will give you the registered pesticides.

The "Field Crop Guide to Weed, Disease, Insect, Bird and Rodent Control for Commercial Growers", last published by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands in 1999/2000, provides options for specific pesticide applications in British Columbia. Always consult the product label for instructions. Information is also available from agri-chemical suppliers and manufacturers.

More information on pest and weed management can be found on the Internet at http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/pubs.htm and http://www.weedsbc.ca/.

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Do I need a license or a permit to produce a grain, oilseed, pulse, or forage seed?

No specific license or permit is required to produce a grain, oilseed, pulse, or forage seed crop. However, there are numerous, federal, provincial and municipal acts and bylaws that regulate what you can do on your farm. Contact your municipal government for information on bylaws that pertain to your operation. You can also search the legislation and regulation section of the Infobasket site (Section D) to find the provincial or federal legislation or regulations that may be applicable to your operation.

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What grain, oilseed, pulse, or forage seed will bring me the best financial return?

The profitability of any crop depends upon a number of variables including production, market and management variables.

  • Production variables include soil type, timing and amount of rain, heat units, time of the last and first frost, skill level of the equipment operator, correct timing of field operations, fertilization and pest management program used
  • Marketing variables mainly refer to the fluctuations in product prices due to supply and demand for a product and competing products. Choosing what product to produce, when to price and where to deliver that product are the manager's greatest marketing challenges
  • Management variables refer to how experienced a manager is in making decisions in an environment with many variables and competing demands for resources. There is no substitute for experience and training.

The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, has developed some 'Planning for Profit' economic data sheets for some crops which are available in hard copy at our office locations. This material provides information on specific commodities that are produced in specific regions. They provide information on things like contribution margin, investment requirements, and historical product prices.

The producers in the BC peace region may also find profitability estimates on the Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development web site. They have a section dedicated to the Alberta peace crops. It is located at: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/econ2278?opendocument

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Is there any government support available for the grain, oilseed, pulse or forage seed producer?

There are several federally and provincially funded programs that provide support for start-up producers. Each program has different aims — some focus on exports, while others focus on research. These programs have strategic priorities and formalized eligibility and application guidelines. And many programs provide services rather than funding. Funding programs include:

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Electronic Information Service
Provides information on: inspection, regulations, industry information, research and technology, and human resources.
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/

B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation
A non-profit agricultural association that helps fosters growth in the agri-food industry. A secondary role is to assist industry in responding to current issues facing the sector.
Phone: 250 356-1833
Fax: 250 953-5162
Website: http://www.iafbc.ca/

Business Development Bank of Canada
Provides information on: financial products, venture capital, and consulting services.
Website: http://www.bdc.ca/

Canada/British Columbia Business Service Centre
A business resource centre that provides information on starting a new business, entering new markets, accessing government programs and services, taxation, and regulations.
Phone: 1 800 667-2272
Fax: 604 775-5520
Website: http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/

Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Assists companies to succeed in the global marketplace.
Website: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/

If you are looking for general information on export marketing, financing and logistics, go to http://exportsource.ca/, Team Canada Inc's powerful search engine.

Export Development Corporation
Provides programs that can assist Canadian exporters to compete in foreign markets.
Website: http://www.edc.ca/

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
The FCC offers innovative products and services to farmers and small and medium-sized agri-businesses. The family farm has been and will continue to be the main focus of their lending operations. They also support farmer-controlled diversification initiatives and value-added agricultural operations on the farm and beyond the farm gate.
Website: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/

Industry Canada
Provides programs and funding to assist with exporting and research and development.
Website: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
WD offers a network of business professionals to help with business planning and development, accessing capital, export or trade development, selling to government markets, and providing information on government programs and services for which a business may be eligible.
Website: http://www.wd.gc.ca/

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Are there any producer organizations that represent the grain, oilseed, pulse or forage seed producer?

Producer organizations that represent the grain, oilseed, pulse or forage seed producers in BC are:

BC Grain Producers Association
Jim Smolik, President
Box 2277
Dawson Creek, BC  V1G 4L1
Phone: 250 782-8686
Website: http://www.bcgrain.com/

Canola Council of Canada
Winnipeg Office
400, 167 Lombard Avenue
Winnipeg, MB  R3B 0T6
Phone: 204 982-2100
Saskatoon Office
107, 105 North Road
Saskatoon, SK  S7N 4L5
Phone: 306 683-2400
Website: http://www.canola-council.org/

Peace Region Forage Seed Association
Don Pederson
Dawson Creek, BC
Phone: 250 782-9161

Canadian Seed Growers Association (Ottawa)
PO Box 8455
Ottawa, ON  K1G 3T1
Phone: 613 236-0497
Website: http://www.seedgrowers.ca/

BC Branch of the Canadian Seed Growers' Association
Dave Wuthrich, President
Box 145
Cecil Lake, BC  V0C 1G0
Phone: 250 781-3527

Peace River Organic Producers Association (PROPA)
Marina Buchan
Box 61
Silver Valley, AB  T0H 3E0
Phone: 780 351-2115

BC Agriculture Council
1473 Water Street
Kelowna, BC  V1Y 1W5
Phone: 250 763-9790
Website: http://www.bcac.bc.ca/

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Where can I get information on crop insurance for grain, oilseed, pulse or forage seed production?

Information on the Canada-B.C. Crop Insurance program can be obtained from the Crop Insurance head office in Kelowna at 1 888 332-3352. General crop insurance information can also be found at http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropins/index.htm.

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Where can I find information on organic production of grain, oilseed, pulse or forage seed production?

Organic information can be found in the "Organic" community on this Web site.

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